From far-flung places in our Take the Subway series, we move closer to the city center for a look at a few spots that we think, while they may not be on any Beijing top sights lists, are definitely worth going out of your way to visit.

Continuing on our most recent trajectory, we continue a look at the arts at…

The National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆 Zhōngguó Měishùguǎn)

Opened in 1963, the National Art Museum houses over 100,000 works of contemporary, modern, and ancient Chinese art inside a modern building complete with Chinese elements. 

Why Visit?

While exhibitions change sporadically, the reason to go is because it’s one of the best places to see a good mix of old and new Chinese art, with an emphasis on the old. There are also many pieces of art inspired by or made during pivotal points in the history of New China.

The Details

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9am-5pm daily (last entry at 4pm). Entry is free, but registration in advance is required. You can register with your real name and passport on the museum’s official WeChat (search 中国美术馆), click on 参加预约 on the left hand lower corner and then click 观众预约 to register.

National Art Museum of China 中国美术馆
1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区五四大街1号
Hours: Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm
Contact: 010 6401 1816; 010 6400 6326

READ: Visit Here: James Turrell’s “Gathered Sky”

Images: Wikimedia Commons